Australia to return ‘stolen’ art to India

Australia will return 14 artworks to India, including at least six believed to have been stolen or illegally exported, the National Gallery announced yesterday. The collection -- which include sculptures, photographs and a scroll -- is composed largely of "religious and cultural artefacts" worth a total of about US$2.2 million, including some dating back to the 12th century. Gallery director Nick Mitzevich told AFP the works were set to be returned to the Indian government within months. Thirteen of the works are connected to alleged trafficker Subhash Kapoor, a former Manhattan art dealer who was the subject of a massive US federal investigation known as Operation Hidden Idol. Kapoor, who is awaiting trial, denies all charges.